Getting To Know Marquise Gray
11/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 4, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Part one of a four-part series getting to know the scholarship freshmen on the men's basketball team.
A 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward, Marquise Gray is one of four freshmen joining the Spartans for the 2004-05 season. As a senior at Flint Beecher High School, Gray finished fourth in the running for Michigan's Mr. Basketball while leading his team to a 17-8 record and an appearance in the regional championship game. A tenacious rebounder and athlete, Gray will be called upon for strength and power down in the post for MSU.
With practice now underway and the season right around the corner, what are your expectations heading into this season?
"My number one goal for the season, and I speak for everyone when I say this, is to win a championship. That's something that we put in too much hard work to come up empty handed. A national championship is definitely my number one goal."
Named the Class C State player of the year by the Associated Press last season, you had a stellar season averaging 25 points and 17 rebounds. After such a great senior season, what are you expecting to bring to the team this year?
"I just want to rebound hard. Play hard everyday, work hard everyday, and give 150 percent everyday. That's the goal for myself."
An athletic forward you've become known for your jumping ability and tenacious rebounding. For people who have never seen you play, who would you compare your style of play to?
"I really can't say. I try to compare my game to myself. A style that I would like to emulate would maybe come from some former Spartans. I admire all the MSU players that have played here. I'm following in their footsteps, but although I admire all of them, I'm just trying to be me."
As a graduate of Flint Beecher, you are joining the long line of Flintstones that have been a part of this program. How do you feel to be a part of that group?
"It's an honor just to be associated with Kelvin Torbert, Charlie Bell, Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and Antonio Smith. I love being a Flintstone. It's really an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys."
Speaking of Flint, there are three other guys on the current team that are from Flint. Have those guys been like big brothers to you so far?
"The three guys from Flint, Tim Bograkos, Anthony Hamo, and Kelvin Torbert have been there for me. Those are the guys I'm with most of the time. They've helped me a lot."
 Gray brings athleticism and toughness to the Spartans.  | |
Spending everyday in the gym while balancing school can be a tough balancing act. What is it that motivates you to play basketball?
"It's really myself. I mean this is fun for me. How can basketball not be fun? Even when days are not as good as others, I still take it all in as fun."
You are now over half-way through your first semester. How have classes been going?
"I like it here a lot, but I'm not used to the big classes. favorite class is WRA 125. It's a writing class. The class is small and our teacher is a little younger so she can relate to us. I like to write, so it makes it a good class."
So if your desire to be a professional basketball player doesn't work out, what would be your second dream job?
"I would be a teacher. I like little kids. Being able to help young kids would be a great job to have."
If you had to pick someone who has had the greatest impact on your life, who would that person be?
"It would be my father who's deceased. He played a real big part in my life when he was alive. He taught me right from wrong. He taught me a lot of stuff. That's who I most admire. Family is a big part of my life. I wouldn't be here right now without the sacrifices that they've made for me."
Written by Kelly Thesier, MSU Sports Information
